Hesiod (c. 700 BCE) Flashcards
Where was Hesiod likely born?
Boeotia, Greece
When did Hesiod live (approximately)?
750–650 BCE
What are the two major works of Hesiod?
Theogony and Works and Days
What is the main subject of Hesiod’s ‘Theogony’?
The origins and genealogy of the gods
What is the focus of Hesiod’s ‘Works and Days’?
Practical advice on farming, morality, and justice
During which historical period did Hesiod live?
The Archaic Period of ancient Greece
How did Hesiod describe the origins of the gods?
Through his poem ‘Theogony,’ which outlines the birth of gods like the Titans and Olympians
What were some key societal changes during Hesiod’s time?
The emergence of city-states and a shift away from tribal governance
What concept did Hesiod introduce in ‘Works and Days’ to describe a peaceful and idealized past?
The Golden Age
How did Hesiod’s works influence later Greek philosophers?
His works on morality and justice influenced thinkers like Plato and Aristotle
How was Hesiod different from Homer?
Hesiod focused on everyday concerns and moral lessons, while Homer focused on epic heroes and grand stories
Why was Hesiod’s ‘Theogony’ significant for Greek culture?
It systematized Greek mythology, providing a coherent account of the gods
What major family dispute did Hesiod face?
A conflict with his brother Perses over their inheritance
How did Hesiod see himself in contrast to his role as a poet?
He saw himself primarily as a farmer, not a poet
What practical advice does Hesiod give in ‘Works and Days’ about marriage?
That a man should marry around 30 and his bride should be about five years past puberty
